Qatar, Russia Discuss S-400 Buy

Qatar is in talks with Russia to acquire various Russian defense equipment, including the S-400 Triumf missile air defense system.

"There is a discussion for procurement of various Russian equipment but there is no understanding as of yet as to this particular equipment (S-400). A joint Qatar-Russia committee is studying the best options for the country's military," Sheikh Mohammed told a joint news conference with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The two countries had signed a military technical cooperation agreement on air defense and military supplies in 2017. However, the S-400 deal had been muted, Reuters reported Monday.

Saudi is concerned by the prospect of Qatar deploying its anti-aircraft missiles to strike targets within its territory. Saudi King Salman had raised the possibility of military action against Qatar in a letter addressed to France's president last June, if Doha installed the system, according to France's Le Monde daily report.

"Qatar will take its own decision with respect to arms sales with other countries, it is not anyone else's business," Mohammed said.

Since the Gulf row began in June 2017, Russia has actively promoted its S-400 with agreements reached with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the report stated further.